I'm not so sure Rochette can win a medal of any color at TEB. She scored 158 in Canada, 5 points less than Elena Sokolova scored in Skate America, and 15-17 points less than two of her TEB opponents scored at CoC. And Joannie skated well at Skate Canada!

The problem is Joannie doesn't get much respect from the judges---they continue to give her lowish PCS scores (mid 6s). She has no cushion, so any small mistake could keep her off the podium.

The problem is Joannie doesn't get much respect from the judges---they continue to give her lowish PCS scores (mid 6s). She has no cushion, so any small mistake could keep her off the podium.

I agree. Joannie is a robust skater, not a delicate little flower. Her program component scores should mirror her technical scores, but she won't get a break in PCS without a clean and impressive tech showing.

I agree. Joannie is a robust skater, not a delicate little flower. Her program component scores should mirror her technical scores, but she won't get a break in PCS without a clean and impressive tech showing.

MM

I've been trying to put my finger on the reasons that maybe Joannie isn't rising through the ranks like it seems she should be. She's IMO a really solid overall skater. I'm starting to think that maybe it's just that - being a solid all around skater - that might hurt her the most. Maybe there isn't some One Thing that really stands out. Like for Kimmie, it was the 3A and other jumps. That's true to an even greater degree for Mao. For Alissa (especially this season so far) it's her spins, and IMO a better Biellman than other current skaters (i.e. Irina). For Shiz it's her smooth flow. For Sasha it's flexibility affording her some incredible moves. For Irina it's high jumps and power. For MK it's musicality and audience connection.

Don't get me wrong - I think "podium" requires good all around skating. As an example, I think Alissa has had some "wow" spinning before. But jump problems held her out of the lime light. I'm just trying to answer the question "Joannie is really SUPER at __________"

I could be all wrong about this. I'm just thinking that capturing the full attention of the international judging crowd might take some one "standout" area in addition to being well rounded (or at least "good enough" in all key areas) in general.

Neither her SP nor LP were "standouts" for me so far this year, which was disappointing because I like her skating. Firebird from last year gave me hope that this year could be her breakout. It hasn't done that for me so far....

Well, Sarah won the O's with a similar resume to Joannie Rochette-and did it by landing all her tricks. That's probably what Joannie needs to do here. Unfortunately, despite the enthusiasm of many, I don't get the 'all that' about Joannie, except that she is unusual as a solid Canadian lady skater. Third is going to be a stretch for her. I loved Shizuka's COC skate-miles ahead of Joannie's SC.

I like too many of the skaters at this event to predict anything, except that T&M will be first in Pairs, P&T second; and Delobel & Schoenfelder will be first in dance, G&G second, I'd like the Mat/Zavs to be 3rd-perhaps F&S will still be too flustered to do well.

Mao, Olympic eligibility or not, was not held back one iota at CoC. She couldn't catch Irina in the FS because Mao didn't do her 3A or 3/3s, but she did hand in a top performance. Mao may not win gold at TEB, but I do expect to see her on the podium because even with mistakes, her TES scores are very high.

Shizuka is very mindful of the race for an Olympic spot, and she will want to improve on her CoC effort. Shizuka always gets at least mid-7s on her PCS scores (to Mao's mid-6s), and that will stand her in good stead.

Then there is Elena, who has her problems with stroking, but she is capable of selling her programs with her sparkling personality, and she is in good competition shape this season so far.

Joannie is a good, strong skater, but she comes across as rather bland and colorless. She has a good choreographer, but the skater has to sell the program, and Joannie just doesn't seem to know how to do that. The elevator muzak selections she picked for her SP and FS don't help her and won't impress the judges.

I am a huge Joannie fan, and think she is definitely something special; I just don't know what it is yet. But, I too, am very disappointed with her music selections this year. Last year Firebird was a Firebird that we have never seen before, despite the common music. It was unique, quirky, and she pulled it off. And that coupled with a great short program, were a great combination, and she got credit for that program (the LP) where it was due. All of her placings, besides maybe behind Shiz at GPF were fairly accurate. Her worlds program was a meltdown, and she deserved the scores she got there.

This season's programs on the other hand, aren't anything unique. Joannie doesn't have the incredibly smooth quality, that just watching her do crossovers sends shivers down or spine, so she does need different choreography than a lot of other skaters. She needs choreography that isn't all about the soft, smooth glides, and musicality. She had that choreography last year, and I had the feeling like she had nowhere to go but down. Anyways, maybe it is just early in the season, and the choreography will shine once she starts landing all the jumps, but for now, as a Joannie fan, I'm underwhelmed.

CDMM

P.S. Two beautiful costumes though, mind you I think they might be a bit too similar.